Topic Areas: Innovations in Technology

Topic Chairs: Vinaya Manchaiah and Theresa H. Rodgers

Content Area: General Interest

This topic focuses on cutting-edge advancements in technology transforming the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology. Submissions should highlight novel approaches that go beyond traditional methods, showcasing the impact of technologies such as machine learning, large language models (LLMs), and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI). These emerging tools are reshaping diagnostics, therapy, and patient care, offering new opportunities for improving outcomes and efficiency in clinical practice. This topic area also includes the development and validation of web- and smart device applications for communication disorders; interprofessional education, practice, and/or research in technology and its applications; and application and use of technology in culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Proposals should demonstrate how these innovations are driving change and contributing to the future of the professions.

Research

  • Translational, applied, or implementation research related to innovative technology

Clinical Care

  • Utilization of innovative technology for screening, triage, and/or diagnosis of various disorders
  • Applications of innovative technology, including AI, for treatment decisions and clinical care
  • Counseling and rehabilitation applications incorporating or utilizing innovative technologies

Professional Education

  • Education and training of students in the utilization of AI technologies
  • Ethical issues related to the utilization of LLMs in AI technologies
  • Innovative assessment and treatment applications

Related Topics

Proposals that include but do not focus primarily on innovations in technology should be submitted to the primary topic area. See the following examples:

  • Proposals focusing on the use of telepractice that include technology-based approaches and outcomes at the system level should be submitted to the Telepractice topic area.
  • Proposals focusing on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) should be submitted to the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) topic area.

About ASHA

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students.

About the Convention

The ASHA Convention is one of the largest professional development events for audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; and speech-language pathology and audiology assistants. Bringing together approximately 15,000 attendees, the annual Convention offers more than 2,500 sessions eligible for ASHA continuing education credit covering the latest research, clinical skills, and techniques in communication sciences and disorders.

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For inquiries about the ASHA Convention: convention@asha.org

The ASHA Action Center welcomes questions and requests for information from members and non-members.

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